The Task Force to Study College Readiness for Disadvantaged and Capable Students was created in June 2000 (Chapter 664, Acts of 2000). The Task Force charge is to develop a strategy to ensure that disadvantaged and capable students have adequate opportunities to matriculate and graduate from institutions of higher education. The Task Force also will define indicators against which the success of strategies can be measured. Current practices in the area of "college readiness", including student academic preparation and support services; teacher preparation, recruitment, and retention; and financial aid will be examined by the Task Force. In addition, the Task Force is to strengthen standards for kindergarten through high school classes and for the professional development of educators, and community engagement in education.

The Task Force submitted its interim report to the Governor and General Assembly on December 21, 2000.